Artem V. Kostenko (Maradona)

Defender Artem Kostenko (call sign Maradona) died on February 26, 2022 in Kharkiv. He was carrying out a combat mission to stop the landing of enemy troops at the airfield. Despite his injuries, Artem struck the first enemy airborne group that had already landed on the runway. But he died as a result of enemy artillery fire. The warrior was forever 27 years old. Artem was born in the village of Novooleksandrivka in the Odesa region. He lived in the village of Sychavka. After school, he obtained the profession of an automobile mechanic at the Vocational School No. 2 in Yuzhne (now Pivdenne). He was professionally involved in football. Initially, it was the Yuzhne "Docker" team, and later, as a student, he played for the Kharkiv football club "Slobozhanshchyna". He was also a member of the university team. He dreamed of playing at the Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium and realized this dream in 2021. In 2015-2016, Artem served in the army. Later, as part of the 38th separate marine brigade, he took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation. In 2018, he entered the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University. He studied at the Air Defense Faculty. During the full-scale war, being a 4th-year cadet, he defended the Kharkiv airfield. For his service, he received the "Veteran of War" badge. "The son loved life, loved Ukraine very much. He was a patriot. He had tattoos with Ukrainian heraldry. He was faithful to the Motherland, the people of Ukraine. He always dreamed of becoming an officer. He was very kind and fair, cheerful, sociable. He easily got along with people. He was a loyal friend, always took care of those with whom he was friends. He felt sorry for everyone, especially the elderly - he never passed by, always helped," his mother Kateryna said. The defender was buried in the village of Lyubopil in the Odesa region. Artem left behind his parents and sister. Posthumously, the warrior was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree, the honorary award "For Merits to the City of Yuzhne". Artem Kostenko was also awarded the President of Ukraine's award "For the Defense of Ukraine", the award of the Commander of the Kharkiv National Air Force University "Eagle Cross", and the honorary badge "Combatant Cross". Artem Kostenko was awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Pivdenne". By order of the commander of the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, Artem Kostenko was included in the list of university servicemen forever.